Revamping the Garden at the American Academy in Rome
“Take what you need; it’s here to be used!” It sounded sacrilegious, but Alessandra Vinciguerra, horticulturist of the American Academy in Rome, was encouraging me to cut flowers on the recently restored academy grounds. Once I grasped her intentions, it became clear that her generosity stemmed from the heart of the century-old institution she is dedicated to serving.
Every year, the academy selects 29 fellows, typically Americans engaged in projects in the arts and humanities that span 12 months, while also hosting other scholars like Fulbright fellows. Nestled in an 11-acre hilltop complex of villas with breathtaking views of Rome, the group enjoys access to the city’s aesthetic and intellectual treasures.
Before embarking on my tour of the campus as the spouse of a newly arrived fellow in design arts, I delved into the history of past fellows. This esteemed list includes a wide array of artists, writers, and musicians, from Frank Stella to Mary Miss, William Styron to Mark Helprin, Aaron Copland to Lukas Foss. As an architect myself, I recognized how an immersive experience in the captivating cityscape of Rome has influenced contemporary designers like Robert Venturi, Michael Graves, Michael Van Valkenburgh, and Laurie Olin. These former fellows continue to draw from the timeless elegance and sensual allure of Italian tradition to shape our world in unique and impactful ways.
Olin’s Involvement in Gardening Today
Olin’s expertise was acknowledged by Vinciguerra, who is overseeing the comprehensive gardening restoration project at the academy. The Academy President, Adele Chatfield-Taylor, commended Olin as “one of the most esteemed and sought-after landscape architects in the United States.” As a current trustee of the academy, Olin reminisces about his familiarity with the site from his time as a fellow in the 1970s. The Villa Aurelia, a 17th-century structure that served as the Academy’s initial permanent location in 1909, and its accompanying garden, featuring vegetable patches, flower beds, and a gardener’s shelter, captured his admiration with its reminiscent rural Roman landscape. However, during a trustees’ gathering in 1989, Olin noticed the distressing sight of dying trees from the window.
Efforts to Prevent a Descending Garden
Chatfield-Taylor, who divides her time between the academy’s headquarters in Rome and New York City, shared Olin’s concerns, foreseeing that continued neglect would result in the transformation of the grounds into a barren slope. To address this, she mobilized a distinguished group of trustees, including Millicent Johnson, a former president of the Garden Club of America, as well as Mercedes Bass and Arthur Ross, who contributed substantial financial support, passion, and guidance. Additionally, Marella Agnelli, a renowned gardener and an expert on the Italian landscape, was enlisted to partake in the initiative.
Renaissance in Gardening Today
This historic site, once a battleground and later a neglected landscape, has seen its fair share of challenges and transformations over the years. From being ravaged by cannon fire during important historical events to enduring neglect and plundering during wars, the Villa Aurelia has a tumultuous past.
Reviving the Gardens
Throughout the years, various attempts were made to restore the gardens, but without a cohesive plan, the results were less than ideal. Plants died, and random structures like playgrounds and sheds were scattered haphazardly across the area. The lack of proper maintenance further deteriorated the landscape.
A New Vision
Landscape architect Olin stepped in to breathe new life into the gardens. His meticulous plan not only involved cleaning up the clutter and simplifying the layout but also included detailed plant care schedules. Hiring an experienced plantsperson to oversee these activities was a crucial part of the revitalization process.
Gardening Today with Vinciguerra
Meet Vinciguerra, an art historian and horticulturist with experience at the Ninfa gardens in Italy. Working at Villa Aurelia, she led a team to transform the landscape by removing hedges, demolishing sheds, fixing edging, and caring for plants. Contrary to popular belief, the gardens of the 1600s and 1700s were filled with flowers, thanks to the botanical treasures brought back by plant hunters.
The Italian Garden Revival
Following the Olin plan, Vinciguerra curated a blue-and-white color theme that perfectly complements the ocher stucco of Villa Aurelia. Various Mediterranean plants, such as lavender and rosemary, along with species from South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and California, were strategically chosen to thrive with minimal maintenance in Rome’s climate. The garden also features benches for contemplation and a fountain by sculptor Simon Verity, making it an ideal location for both quiet reflection and vibrant gatherings.
Main Academy Building Redesigned by Olin
Upon entering the main academy building, Olin revamped a design for a travertine fountain originally included in McKim Mead and White’s plan. The enticing aroma of jasmine guides visitors to an inner courtyard where a bronze fountain dating back to the 1920s awaits. Contrasting this formal setup, a winding path and expansive lawn outside evoke the essence of the vanished Roman campagna. Adorned with fruit trees such as peach, fig, cherry, persimmon, quince, and olive, this rural-like area serves as a favorite spot for fellows and their families. Olin notes that Italians perceive this landscape, crafted by Americans, as carrying on Roman horticultural traditions.
Memorable Alfresco Birthday Party
Prior to departing from the academy after her husband’s residency, the author organized an outdoor birthday celebration for their 4-year-old son. The children joyfully engaged in relay races on the sprawling lawn amidst the glow of golden walls, reminding everyone present that in Italy, the integration of landscape with architecture is an everyday wonder.
